ScienceDaily: Health - December 19, 2024
Top health research news
Researchers found that vegetarians who consumed PBMAs had a 42% increased risk of depression compared to vegetarians who refrained from PBMAs.
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Human-like artificial intelligence may face greater blame for moral violations
In a new study, participants tended to assign greater blame to artificial intelligences (AIs) involved in real-world moral transgressions when they perceived the AIs as having more human-like minds.
After lockdown, immune system reacts more strongly to viruses and bacteria
New research shows that the lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on people's immune response to microorganisms. During the lockdown, inflammation level in the body was low, but afterwards, the immune system reacted more intensely to viruses and bacteria.
New evidence on the relationship between moderate wine consumption and cardiovascular health
Light and moderate consumption of wine is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular complications, according to a multicenter study. The study is based on the analysis of a biomarker of wine intake -- specifically, tartaric acid, present in grapes. It was carried out in 1,232 participants in the PREDIMED project, a major scientific epidemiological study in nutrition on the effects of the Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular health.
Microplastics in the air may be leading to lung and colon cancers
Tires and degrading garbage shed tiny pieces of plastic into the air, creating a form of air pollution that researchers suspect may be causing respiratory and other illnesses.
Potentially harmful bacteria slip through antimicrobial showerheads
To guard against harmful waterborne pathogens, many consumers, including managers of health-care facilities, install antimicrobial silver-containing showerheads. But researchers now report that these fixtures are no 'silver bullet.' In real-world showering conditions, most microbes aren't exposed to the silver long enough to be killed. However, the composition of rare microbes in water from these showerheads varied with each type of fixture tested.
Nature's instructions: How fungi make a key medicinal molecule
Researchers have decoded the genetic blueprint of Penicillium citrinum, a common citrus mold, to uncover how nature produces cyclopentachromone -- a key building block for bioactive compounds with potential in cancer and inflammation treatments. The team identified a previously unknown enzyme, IscL, that creates a highly reactive sulfur-containing intermediate, offering new insights into fungal chemistry. This discovery could pave the way for novel pharmaceuticals by harnessing nature's molecular tools.
New recommendations to increase transparency and tackle potential bias in medical AI technologies
A new set of recommendations aims to help improve the way datasets are used to build Artificial intelligence (AI) health technologies and reduce the risk of potential AI bias.
Swarms of 'ant-like' robots lift heavy objects and hurl themselves over obstacles
Scientists have developed swarms of tiny magnetic robots that work together like ants to achieve Herculean feats, including traversing and picking up objects many times their size. The findings suggest that these microrobot swarms -- operating under a rotating magnetic field -- could be used to take on difficult tasks in challenging environments that individual robots would struggle to handle, such as offering a minimally invasive treatment for clogged arteries and precisely guiding organisms.
Physicists magnetize a material with light
Physicists have created a new and long-lasting magnetic state in a material, using only light. The results provide a new way to control and switch antiferromagnetic materials, which are of interest for their potential to advance information processing and memory chip technology.
Building a backbone: Scientists recreate the body's 'GPS system' in the lab
Scientists have generated human stem cell models which contain notochord -- a tissue in the developing embryo that acts like a navigation system, directing cells where to build the spine and nervous system (the trunk).
Syphilis had its roots in the Americas
A research team has taken a crucial step towards resolving a long-standing controversy -- was syphilis introduced to Europe from the Americas at the end of the 15th century, or had it been there all along? Ancient pathogen genomes from skeletons that pre-date 1492 confirm its introduction from the Americas, but its world-wide spread remains a grim legacy of the colonial period.
Overactive cells linked to type 2 diabetes
Researchers studied oxygen treatment as a potential therapy to target specific cells linked to the development of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes and found no significant improvement in function in patients with type 2 diabetes.
App helps alleviate mental health symptoms in bereaved parents
A new study shows that an app can help parents who are mourning the loss of a child. Parents who used the app for three months reported reduced symptoms of prolonged grief and post-traumatic stress, and also had fewer negative thoughts. Some parents thought the app should be offered early in the mourning process.
Developing artificial intelligence tools for health care
Reinforcement Learning, an artificial intelligence approach, has the potential to guide physicians in designing sequential treatment strategies for better patient outcomes but requires significant improvements before it can be applied in clinical settings, finds a new study.
Paranoia may be, in part, a visual problem
Could complex beliefs like paranoia have roots in something as basic as vision? A new study finds evidence that they might. When completing a visual perception task, in which participants had to identify whether one moving dot was chasing another moving dot, those with greater tendencies toward paranoid thinking (believing others intend them harm) and teleological thinking (ascribing excessive meaning and purpose to events) performed worse than their counterparts, the study found. Those individuals more often -- and confidently -- claimed one dot was chasing the other when it wasn't. The findings suggest that, in the future, testing for illnesses like schizophrenia could be done with a simple eye test.
A new study offers hope for people who are blind or have low vision (pBLV) through an innovative navigation system that was tested using virtual reality. The system, which combines vibrational and sound feedback, aims to help users navigate complex real-world environments more safely and effectively.
'Bad' bacteria can trigger painful gut contractions; new research shows how
A new study shows how one kind of bacteria, Vibrio cholerae, triggers painful intestinal contractions by activating the immune system. The research also finds a more general explanation for how the gut rids itself of unwanted intruders, which could also help scientists better understand chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
Nano drug delivery system heralds safer era for drug development
A team of researchers has created an innovative drug delivery system with outstanding potential to improve drug development.
Research shows solitude is better for your health when it's not too intense
Hiking by yourself deep in a forest and similar episodes of intense solitude are not as likely to restore energy and enhance social connectedness as less complete forms of solitude, such as reading in a cafe or listening to Spotify while commuting.
Microgravity is known to alter the muscles, bones, the immune system and cogni tion, but little is known about its specific impact on the brain. To discover how brain cells respond to microgravity, scientists sent tiny clumps of stem-cell derived brain cells called 'organoids' to the International Space Station.
Higher calorie foods were preferred among individuals with and without obesity despite similar taste and texture, according to a new study.
Images of crucial cell receptors show promising new drug targets
New research combines two powerful imaging techniques to study the complete structure of a common aGPCR, including how its long and complex extracellular region interacts with the transmembrane region embedded in the cell surface. The different positions and movements of the extracellular region appear to be an important way to activate the receptor.
World Cup soccer is getting faster for men and women alike
If the experience of watching a FIFA World Cup soccer final is intense, spare a thought for the players, who are competing at an ever increasing intensity, according to a new study.
How the body clock regulates inflammation
New research has explained how the body's internal clock influences the inflammatory process of the immune system. The findings describe how immune cells, called macrophages, work differently at various times of the day and could pave the way for time-targeted treatments for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
The longevity factor Foxo3 mediates 'unfit' cell elimination to ensure healthy body construction
Researchers have revealed some of the precise mechanisms by which erroneous cells are recognized, marked for removal, and eliminated via apoptosis in developing zebrafish. Notably, they found that the protein Foxo3 may be a universal marker of cell competition in zebrafish and mice. These findings have important implications for congenital disorders, cancer, and aging, and may lead to novel treatments.
Salmon genes unlock secrets of puberty and evolution
A study shows how a single gene in Atlantic salmon can dramatically influence the timing of puberty -- a key factor for salmon life cycle and survival.
Almost three quarters of adolescents experience depression or anxiety
Almost three quarters of adolescents in Australia experience clinically significant depression or anxiety symptoms, with most being chronic, according to a new study. And preventive strategies outside our clinics are urgently required to address this considerable public health problem facing the nation.
Travelers weigh in on weight-based airfares for eco-friendly skies
The holidays are in full swing and people are shopping, wrapping and packing to visit loved ones. Along with the extra fees for checked baggage and seat upgrades, some airlines are also considering weight-based pricing. A recent study looked at how people felt about weighing their baggage and themselves to help reduce emissions and found while over half of travelers are not keen about hopping on the scale, some would be open to the idea -- especially if it aligns with their own interests in the environment.
Study shows drop in use of antiviral medications in young children with influenza
Despite national medical guidelines supporting the use of antiviral medications in young children diagnosed with influenza, a recent study reports an underuse of the treatment.
Neural stem cell transplantation shows promise for treating chronic spinal cord injury
Using neural stem cells could help treat spinal injuries once thought to be untreatable -- a new phase 1 trial has determined this approach is safe.
Study maps bed bugs' genomes in unprecedented detail to find out why they just won't die
Near-gap-free and near-error-free genomes of a susceptible bed bug strain and a superstrain with around 20,000-fold insecticide resistance offer the broadest look yet at the full scope of mutations driving their resilience.
Being digitally hyperconnected causes 'techno-strain' for employees
A new study has shown that employees are experiencing mental and physical techno-strain due to being 'hyperconnected' to digital technology making it difficult for people to switch off from work.
Teens with a reduced response to rewards are more susceptible to depression
Novel research shows that a reduced neural response to receiving rewards in teens predicts the first onset of depression, but not anxiety or suicidality. This is independent of pre-existing depressive or anxiety symptoms, as well as age or sex, which are already strong risk factors for depression. The study is a step toward using brain science to understand and assess mental health risks.
Biased language in clinical handoffs may negatively impact patient care
A new study shows that when clinicians hear a patient described with negatively biased language, they develop less empathy towards the patient and, in some cases, become less accurate in recalling the patient's critical health details.
Young English speakers are most comfortable with digital health
Digital health tools, such as patient portals, treatment apps and online appointment schedulers, are increasingly common. But not everyone is equally at home using them.
Scientists find a vulnerability in antibiotic resistance mechanism
Superbugs, bacteria that are immune to multiple antibiotics, pose a great challenge to modern medicine. Researchers have now identified a weakness in the bacterial machinery that drives antibiotic resistance adaptation.
Peptide-guided nanoparticles deliver mRNA to neurons
Engineers have modified lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) -- the revolutionary technology behind the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines -- to not only cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) but also to target specific types of cells, including neurons. This breakthrough marks a significant step toward potential next-generation treatments for neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Tiny robots, big impact: Revolutionizing infertility treatment with magnetic microrobots
Infertility affects an estimated 186 million people worldwide, with fallopian tube obstruction contributing to 11%-67% of female infertility cases. Researchers have developed an innovative solution using a magnetically driven robotic microscrew to treat fallopian tube blockages. The microrobot is made from nonmagnetic photosensitive resin, coated with a thin iron layer to give it magnetic properties. By applying an external magnetic field, the robot rotates, generating translational motion that enables it to navigate through a glass channel simulating a fallopian tube.
Discouraged zebrafish help reveal how ketamine works in the brain
By taking advantage of a 'giving up' behavior exhibited by zebrafish, the ability to image the fish's entire brain, and a unique virtual reality system, a team of researchers found where ketamine acts in the zebrafish brain: at supporting cells called astroglia, rather than neurons.
The psychological implications of Big Brother's gaze
A new psychological study has shown that when people know they are under surveillance it generates an automatic response of heightened awareness of being watched, with implications for public mental health.
Microchips capable of detecting and diagnosing diseases
Researchers have developed microchips using field-effect transistors that can detect multiple diseases from a single air sample with high sensitivity. The technology enables rapid testing and could lead to portable diagnostic devices for home and medical use.
Study finds lower rates of death from Alzheimer's disease among taxi and ambulance drivers
A new study raises the possibility that jobs that require frequent spatial processing -- such as figuring out a taxi route or the best way to navigate to a hospital -- could lead to lower rates of death from Alzheimer's disease. Researchers investigated this possibility by using national data on the occupations of people who had died to evaluate risk of death from Alzheimer's disease across 443 professions. They found that taxi driving and ambulance driving were associated with a lower rate of death from Alzheimer's disease compared to other professions.
Long COVID's effects on employment: Financial distress, fear of judgment
Though research has shown that people with long COVID are more likely to be unemployed, the statistics don't reveal what patients go through before they cut their hours, stop working or lose their jobs. In a new study involving interviews of people with long COVID, researchers describe how the prolonged illness has affected not only patients' job status, but also their overall well-being.
Breakthrough in treatment approach showing promise in the fight against glioblastoma
Medical researchers have announced the results of an innovative treatment approach that may offer improvement in overall survival in older patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma while maintaining quality of life. Glioblastoma is the most lethal type of primary brain cancer due to its aggressive nature and its treatment-resistant characteristics. It is the most common form of primary brain cancer.
Staying sharp: Study explores how brain changes may affect financial skills
A new article sheds light on how age-related changes may affect the way we handle finances -- and how we can stay sharp as we age.
Breathing coordinates brain rhythms for memory consolidation during sleep
Just as a conductor coordinates different instruments in an orchestra to produce a symphony, breathing coordinates hippocampal brain waves to strengthen memory while we sleep, reports a new study. This is the first time breathing rhythms during sleep have been linked to these hippocampal brain waves -- called slow waves, spindles and ripples -- in humans. Scientists knew these waves were linked to memory but their underlying driver was unknown.
Naughty or Nice? Many parents rely on threats to manage misbehavior -- from no dessert to no Santa
When young children's behavior becomes challenging, many parents resort to threats -- from taking away toys to threatening that Santa will skip their house, a national poll suggests.
Can lab-grown neurons exhibit plasticity?
This bioengineering breakthrough has found a way to make neurons grown in a dish react just like the real thing.
Researchers have discovered a process that breaks down mRNA molecules in the human body particularly efficiently. This could be useful, for example, in the treatment of cancer.
Problems developed faster among gamers who started early
People who started playing video games at an early school age developed problematic gaming more quickly compared to those who started playing a few years later.
Targeting a brain enzyme to curb obesity
Endocannabinoids in the brain play a key role in food intake and energy use. Modulating the action of these molecules could help fight obesity, say researchers.
Every cell has a story: Tumor and immune cell interactions within craniopharyngiomas
Craniopharyngiomas are brain tumors that negatively impact the hormonal function of the nearby pituitary. The tumor location often prevents necessary surgical intervention. Alternative pharmacological therapy requires an in-depth understanding of the tumor molecular characteristics. To address this gap, researchers analyzed gene expression within individual tumor cells. This study reports the molecular features and interactions of tumor and immune cells associated with two craniopharyngioma subtypes that will help identify future targeted therapeutics.
Flavonoid powerhouse: Kaempferol's role in taming allergic responses
Food allergies affect millions of people worldwide, and flavonoids are promising natural compounds to help modulate the immune response and treat inflammation caused by these allergies. In a recent study, researchers have identified that kaempferol, a flavonoid, produces an anti-inflammatory effect through regulatory T-cell development. This occurred through increased RADLH2 expression in dendritic cells via AhR-mediated and PU.1/IRF-4 dependent mechanisms. Additionally, kaempferol suppressed several allergic symptoms in mice with food allergies.
Blood test could make cancer treatments safer and more effective
Scientists have developed a new blood test that could screen cancer patients to help make their treatment safer and more effective.
Breaking barriers: Study uses AI to interpret American Sign Language in real-time
A study is the first-of-its-kind to recognize American Sign Language (ASL) alphabet gestures using computer vision. Researchers developed a custom dataset of 29,820 static images of ASL hand gestures. Each image was annotated with 21 key landmarks on the hand, providing detailed spatial information about its structure and position. Combining MediaPipe and YOLOv8, a deep learning method they trained, with fine-tuning hyperparameters for the best accuracy, represents a groundbreaking and innovative approach that hasn't been explored in previous research.
Researchers find previously unknown links between microbial bile acids and the risk of colon cancer
Microbes living in our guts help us digest food by reshaping the bile acids that our livers produce for breaking down fats. It turns out that two of these microbially-modified bile acids may affect our risk -- in opposite directions -- for developing colon cancer. The link between these bile acids and colon cancer risk was recently uncovered as scientists sought to better understand the relationship between gut microbes and our bodies.
Treating prostate cancer with novel platinum complex via targeting androgen receptor signaling
Prostate cancer, especially in advanced stages such as castration-resistant prostate cancer, is challenging to treat. Traditional therapies targeting androgen receptor (AR) signaling have limited efficacy. In a recent study, researchers investigated the potential of azolato-bridged dinuclear platinum(II) complexes, particularly 5-H-Y, as promising alternatives. Their findings highlight the complex's ability to inhibit AR signaling and induce cell death in prostate cancer cells, providing a new avenue for prostate cancer treatment.
Elucidating the neural mechanisms of stress-induced cardiovascular responses
The lateral habenula is a brain region associated with behavioral changes and autonomic responses during psychological stress. Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have identified the involvement of the dopaminergic system in the cardiovascular responses triggered by neuronal excitation in the lateral habenula. They further determined that the ventral tegmental area of the midbrain, which is the origin of dopamine neurons, plays a mediating role in this response.
Bioengineered yeast microbes as targeted drug delivery systems
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking way to engineer yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to create microbial communities that can perform complex tasks and self-regulate their composition in response to external signals.